Page 102 of Bless My Body

her friend zone. Watching from afar. I don’t know how I’m going to do that. I don’t know how to go

from what we’ve had this month to just being her friend again. These thirty days of sex might have

been my worst idea ever.

I feel a sharp jab in my ribs and realize my mom elbowed me, trying to get me to pay attention to

something. Mom glares at me like she knows exactly what I’m thinking, which scares the shit out of

me.

I reluctantly drag my eyes from Celine and focus on whatever the random old dude in front of me

is saying. I know he must be important if Mom and Dad act attentive, but I don’t know who this guy is,

and I don’t really care. I try half-heartedly to listen to him, but I feel the pull from Celine. All I want

is to wrap her in my arms and take her somewhere we can be alone.

I’m finally released from the boring conversation and find Celine in the crowd of people. She’s

not hard to miss.

An older couple has taken her in, making conversation with her. I stop to watch for a moment.

Celine is smiling and answering their questions. She holds her champagne glass gently while she uses

her free hand to touch the woman’s arm now and then. She’s a pro at this, and I don’t know why she

was worried.

Celine is a people person. I’ve never met a person who doesn’t like her. Except maybe Sadie, but

if it wasn’t for Sadie’s jealousy, I’m pretty sure they would get along. I’m not counting my mom

because she doesn’t like anyone.

After I’ve stared long enough to officially be classified as a creeper, I walk up next to Celine and

put my hand on the small of her back.

“Excuse me, can I please steal this lovely lady away from you for a moment?” I ask as politely as

possible. The couple smiles at me. I’ve met them a few times and remember them being very nice

people. I’m glad they were the ones to find Celine when she was alone instead of someone who

would have probably eaten her alive.

“Is this your girlfriend, Ezra? You’ve got yourself a good one,” the woman says to me.

“Don’t I know it,” I say, placing a kiss on Celine’s temple. The woman smiles at me, and I don’t

bother telling them that Celine isn’t my girlfriend. I’d rather them believe what they want to. Maybe I

want to believe it too.

I lead Celine outside to where a string quartet has started playing a beautiful melody. There are